Following the stampede in the town of Bishoftu, Ethiopia, on October 4th, that resulted to loss of lives and scores of injuries, the Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), HE Amb. (Eng.) Mahboub Maalim offers his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Ethiopia as well as to the families of the victims.

The Executive Secretary wishes a swift recovery to those injured and commends the Government of Ethiopia for its efforts in investigating what caused this regrettable and deadly incident.

The Executive Secretary is convinced that those responsible will be brought to justice, and that this will enable a return to peace and stability.

The Executive Secretary reiterates that IGAD is mourning with Ethiopia during these trying times and calls on all to remain calm, observe law and order, and refrain from all sorts of violent acts.###